Joanne Hsieh
Head of Metabolism Gordian Biotechnology
Joanne Hsieh, PhD leads Gordian Biotechnology’s Metabolism program, which encompasses novel target discovery and development efforts in adipose- and liver-related indications. During her tenure, Gordian has screened over 300 gene targets in visceral adipose tissue in vivo to date, and has ongoing small molecule development programs pursuing novel non-incretin obesity targets. Joanne did her PhD work on the glucagon-like peptides at the University of Toronto. She did her postdoctoral training and held a faculty position at Columbia University. Over the course of her scientific career, Joanne has investigated atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, and obesity. She has first author publications in pre-eminent journals including Gastroenterology, Journal of Hepatology, and Nature. Joanne was also a cofounder of Fortico Biotech, which developed small molecules to tackle MASH.
Seminars
- Identifying first-in-class adipocyte targets at scale using an in vivo discovery platform designed to uncover mechanisms that drive weight loss beyond GLP-1 therapy
- Enhancing efficacy without compromising safety by targeting energy expenditure pathways in adipose tissue rather than traditional approaches associated with systemic safety concerns
- Delivering broader metabolic improvements including enhanced insulin sensitivity and lipid regulation, creating new opportunities for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes who need more than weight loss alone
